Precious Patola

Worn by royals and aristocrats on auspicious occasions, and prized as a holy cloth even in South-east Asia, the patola finds mention in the 14th century travel accounts of Ibn Batuta, who gifted patolas to kings. It was a matter of great pride for Gujarati brides to have it as part of their wedding trousseau.
The time-consuming but highly skilled tying, untying, retying and dyeing in different colours take up to 75 days. Loud red, yellow, green and blue dominate. The pattern becomes apparent as warp threads set on the loom.